News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2007

Two Bridgeport Men Involved In Cocaine Distribution
Sentenced To Federal Prison

MAY 31 -- June W. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Adminstration in New England and Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two individuals have been sentenced by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport for their participation in a Bridgeport-based cocaine and crack cocaine distribution ring headed by Luis Robles.

On Wednesday, May 30, Judge Underhill sentenced WALTER HARRISON, age 35, of Chestnut Street, Bridgeport, to 120 months of imprisonment followed by eight years of supervised release. Today, Judge Underhill sentenced WILFREDO MARTINEZ, also known as “Nene” and “Chelo,” age 50, of Hancock Street, Bridgeport, to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. HARRISON and MARTINEZ each had pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, beginning in mid-2005, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force initiated an investigation into suspected distribution of cocaine in the Bridgeport area by Luis Robles and his associates. The investigation employed court-authorized wiretaps, court-authorized audio and video surveillance and several controlled purchases of cocaine. The investigation established that the ring primarily operated out of East End Auto, an auto shop owned by Robles located at 1357 Barnum Avenue in Bridgeport. Robles obtained cocaine from a source of supply located in the New York metropolitan area. Typically, the cocaine was transported by automobile to the Bridgeport area to Robles or one of his associates, and then redistributed in and around Bridgeport to other dealers.

The investigation established that HARRISON was supplied with cocaine by Robles and Raul Reyes, which he redistributed from his autobody garage on Berkshire Avenue in Bridgeport. At certain times, MARTINEZ also supplied HARRISON with cocaine. During the investigation, HARRISON made several sales of cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer.

HARRISON, MARTINEZ, Robles and Reyes were arrested in April 2006 by DEA HIDTA Task Force members. In connection with the arrests, Task Force members conducted searches at 11 locations in Bridgeport, Derby and Naugatuck, Connecticut, and seized more than 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, more than 500 grams of crack, one loaded semi-automatic handgun that was found in a closet in Robles’ residence, one bulletproof vest, six automobiles, and more than $125,000 in United States currency.

On February 2, 2007, Robles and Reyes each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine. On May 3, 2007, Judge Underhill sentenced Robles to 188 months of imprisonment. Reyes awaits sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. Members of the Ansonia, Bridgeport, Derby, Easton, Greenwich, New Canaan, Newtown, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford and West Haven Police Departments participated in the investigation.